Two walkers were flown to safety after a major overnight search in the Cairngorms.

Braemar and Aberdeen mountain rescue teams were among those assisted by a helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth during the operation.

They faced blizzard conditions in the Devil's Point area, near Cairn Toul.

The alarm was raised on Monday night. The two men were found in a "precarious location" at about 08:15, suffering the effects of hypothermia and exhaustion.

'Very rewarding'

Ch Insp Andrew Todd, team leader of the Police Scotland (Grampian) Mountain Rescue Team, said: "This mountain rescue incident gave us grave cause for concern as the lives of these individuals were clearly in jeopardy.

"Specially-trained and experienced mountain rescue officers worked through the night with volunteers from both the Braemar and Aberdeen mountain rescue teams.

"We brought in support from volunteer teams in both Tayside and the Highlands and Islands, as well as search and rescue dogs and the RAF, so that we could find the hill walkers before they succumbed to cold, wet and exhaustion."

He added: "It was very rewarding for all those involved when we found them.

"Thankfully, they did not sustain any serious injuries and were able to return home after they were checked over."